Several businesses across London have shut their doors or shortened their opening hours this week as the capital swelters under a record-breaking heatwave. High temperatures creating “uncomfortably hot” working conditions have forced numerous eateries, shops, and salons to close.
Red Warning for Extreme Heat
Temperatures are forecast to hit 37C on Wednesday, with a red warning for extreme heat in effect from Wednesday morning through to 9pm on Thursday. This would smash the previous June record of 35.6C, set in Southampton in 1976. The Met Office has stated that it “looks increasingly likely to see a two to three day period where maximum temperatures in the shade exceed 37C, perhaps rising to 38 to 40 Celsius in some places.”
Deputy chief forecaster Mark Sidaway commented: “Red warnings are reserved for the most severe events, and we’re expecting severe and significant impacts from this heatwave, with health impacts likely for many.”
Restaurants Among Hardest Hit
More than a dozen London locations have announced either complete or partial closures for Wednesday and Thursday, with many ceasing services from 12pm onwards. Restaurants are among the hardest hit, partly due to heat generated by ovens, grills, and frying equipment.
Robins Pie & Mash has closed branches in Romford, Chelmsford, and Chingford, stating: “Our staff need a break from the hot kitchens.” Many bakeries have also reduced hours. Toad Bakery in Camberwell was closed on Tuesday due to the “crazy” temperatures and is now serving a limited menu primarily in the mornings, with “no bread, no sandwiches, and a reduced pastry menu.” Viennese-style café Kaffee London said it “isn’t quite prepared” for the heatwave and will shut at 12pm instead of the usual 5pm.
Prioritising Staff and Customer Wellbeing
Many other businesses have said that maintaining staff and customer wellbeing amid the heat was their priority, and that it would not be fair to ask employees to work under current conditions. There is no legal upper limit for workplace temperatures, but employers are obliged to ensure staff safety and to consider action if heat puts workers at risk.
Full List of London Closures and Reduced Hours
- Angelic Hell Tattoo, Wandsworth
- The Butterfly Gardens, Bexley
- Dark Sugars Chocolates, various London locations
- Eleven Salon, Romford
- Innervisions Alchemy, Bermondsey
- Islington Boxing Club, Elthorne Park
- Kaffee London, Putney
- Leigh’s, Ardleigh Road, London
- Loop, Camden Passage, London
- Monkatsu, Cross Road, London
- Robins Pie & Mash, Romford, Chelmsford and Chingford
- Smith’s Garden Centre, West London
- Toad Bakery, Camberwell
- Wellgate Community Farm, Romford
- Yuzu Hair, Longfield Ave, London
- MG & CO, Ebury Street, Belgravia
